YORK ace Jonny Bairstow is back in the England squad after being named in place of fellow Yorkshire star Gary Ballance for the third Ashes Test.

The 25-year-old's inclusion is the only change to the squad hammered by 405 runs in the second Test at Lord's, where Australia levelled the series. The third Test, at Edgbaston, starts on Wednesday, July 29.

Wicketkeeper Bairstow will play as a specialist batsman, to come in at number five in the order, with Jos Buttler of Lancashire keeping the gloves.

Bairstow, whose last of 14 Test caps came against the Australians in Sydney in 2014, has scored one double-century, four centuries and four half-centuries in 11 recent first-class innings for Yorkshire, including 139 in the current match against Worcestershire.

With Ballance sent back to county cricket, Ian Bell will bat at three and Joe Root – who scored 134 and 60 in England's first-Test win in Cardiff – moves up to four.

National selector James Whitaker said: "Jonny has worked extremely hard at his game and his record for Yorkshire speaks for itself. He fully deserves this opportunity.

"Gary was naturally disappointed to miss out but we feel he will benefit from some time in county cricket to rediscover his form."

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